About this Research Topic
Over the past decades, the global challenge in the energy system has been to solve the problem of reducing carbon emissions while meeting the increased energy demands. Rechargeable alkali-ion (Li/Na/K) batteries, as one type of the most promising energy storage systems, show the unparalleled advantages applied in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and large-scale grid storage. However, the state-of-art alkali-ion batteries still face numerous challenges for commercialization, such as the limited energy and power densities, high safety risk caused by organic liquid electrolytes, and high cost of rare materials. To address these challenges, developing next-generation high-performance alkali-ion batteries requires great efforts in academia and industry.
In recent years, numerous strategies have been developed to address the key challenges of alkali-ion batteries, such as novel solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and air stability, high-energy low-cost cathode materials, unique interfacial engineering for alkali metals, and anode-free electrodes. In addition, advanced characterizations (e.g., synchrotron, nuclear magnetic resonance, neutron, electron microscopies) have been widely applied in the research of alkali-ion batteries to deeply understand the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the electrode fabrication for prototype and pouch cells also made remarkable achievements. Hence, summarizing the latest research findings on this research topic can provide an essential guideline for the future design of high-performance alkali-ion batteries and accelerate the process of commercialization.
The goal of this Research Topic aims to collect recent research progress on alkali-ion batteries. All types of articles, including original research, perspective, mini-reviews, reviews, brief research reports, and opinion articles are welcomed on this topic. Research areas include but are not limited to the following list:
• Novel Li, Na, K ion electrolytes and batteries
• High-energy cathode materials
• High-performance alkali ion and metal anodes
• Solid-state alkali-ion electrolytes and batteries
• Interface and Interfacial engineering
• Advanced characterizations in alkali-ion batteries
• Electrode fabrication
In recent years, numerous strategies have been developed to address the key challenges of alkali-ion batteries, such as novel solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and air stability, high-energy low-cost cathode materials, unique interfacial engineering for alkali metals, and anode-free electrodes. In addition, advanced characterizations (e.g., synchrotron, nuclear magnetic resonance, neutron, electron microscopies) have been widely applied in the research of alkali-ion batteries to deeply understand the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the electrode fabrication for prototype and pouch cells also made remarkable achievements. Hence, summarizing the latest research findings on this research topic can provide an essential guideline for the future design of high-performance alkali-ion batteries and accelerate the process of commercialization.
The goal of this Research Topic aims to collect recent research progress on alkali-ion batteries. All types of articles, including original research, perspective, mini-reviews, reviews, brief research reports, and opinion articles are welcomed on this topic. Research areas include but are not limited to the following list:
• Novel Li, Na, K ion electrolytes and batteries
• High-energy cathode materials
• High-performance alkali ion and metal anodes
• Solid-state alkali-ion electrolytes and batteries
• Interface and Interfacial engineering
• Advanced characterizations in alkali-ion batteries
• Electrode fabrication
Keywords: alkali-ion batteries, high-energy cathode, interface, solid-state electrolytes, advanced characterizations, electrode fabrication
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
